How to Switch Home Telephone Service
Consumers now have more options for home telephone service in most areas of the United States. Since the federal government deregulated the telephone industry, competition has made it possible for you to choose a service that fits your budget and your personal needs. Some providers require contracts to get the advertised rates, while others offer month-to-month options and contracts at different price levels. Do your own research, then switch to the service that works best for you.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Review the home telephone service options in your area. Check the Better Business Bureau for consumer complaints about companies that recently began providing service in your area if you are not familiar with them by reputation.
-
2
Contact the telephone company that you want to have for your new telephone service. In some areas, telephone services are bundled with cable TV and or Internet as a package, but you should be able to purchase only what you need.
-
-
3
Find out if you can keep your current phone number. The Federal Communications Commission requires that any telephone service provider that operates in your same geographical area allow you to keep a number that you already use. If you move from the main area for your home number exchange and area code, you may not be able to keep it.
-
4
Ask the company representative to provide details about the basic monthly charge for the line that comes into your home for your local service. You will need to discuss rates for long-distance calls (if desired) and repair services for your inside wiring.
-
5
Add features to your phone service. Many companies bundle popular features like call waiting, conference calling and call forwarding into a package for a low fee. Some charge additional monthly fees for premium services like voice mail and call blocking. Compare the total cost from the potential provider to the cost for the current company.
-
6
Set up an installation visit if required. VoIP and cable telephone providers may need to enter your home to inspect or adapt current wiring. In some cases, consumers can avoid installation charges by completing minor setups themselves.
-
7
Confirm the provider change. The FCC now requires that an independent company verify service changes, mainly because of previous irregularities by unscrupulous companies that switched consumers without their consent.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may have to give up some services to keep your monthly bill close to the same amount if your potential provider does not package them into a bundle.
You can often get discounts when you have more than one service from a telecommunications provider. Look into switching your Internet, TV and phone to the same provider for the greatest savings.
Your new telephone service provider cannot complete your switch until you confirm your choice with a third-party service.
Research TV and radio ads for telephone service discounts by asking the company's customer service for a full disclosure of fees, equipment, terms and conditions. Some low prices last only a few months and then revert to substantially higher monthly charges with a penalty of hefty cancellation fees.
